Minnesota Normal Precipitation Maps: 1981-2010

A common misconception is that a climate "normal" describes the "typical" state of the atmosphere. "Normal" is simply a 30-year arithmetic mean, computed once per decade. The precipitation normals data presented in the maps below summarize the observation period 1981-2010. These values are benchmarks to be used throughout this decade as a measure of central tendency. Normals data can be useful in placing ongoing weather conditions in historical context. Additionally, normals data offer an excellent tool for describing climate variability across space. Clicking on any of the maps below will bring the user to a page that provides a larger version of the normal precipitation map, as well as links to *.zip files containing the map in a variety of formats (*.gif, *.wmf, ESRI ArcMap).

The DNR State Climatology Office wishes to thank Nick Yates for the many hours of volunteer effort he provided to produce these products.